Lisa Allen to represent the North West

23rd April 2011

Lisa Allen, head chef of Northcote has been announced the North West winner of the BBC Two’s Great British Menu on Friday 22nd April. For the second year in a row, Lisa will represent Lancashire and the North West in the final. 

Commenting on her achievement Lisa said, “After winning with my starter last year, there was a lot of pressure to live up to the expectations and standards that I had set for myself. I am absolutely ecstatic that I have the opportunity to represent the North West for a second time! It is a huge privilege and something I am extremely honoured to be able to do.”

Lisa received an outstanding 34 points out of a possible score of 40 from Marcus Wareing which enabled her to cook for the judges. Lisa was crowned the North West winner by the Great British Menu judges, Oliver Peyton, Prue Leith and Matthew Fort. In the regional heat Lisa beat stiff competition, Johnnie Mountain and former Northcote chef Jason Birbeck. 

The menu Lisa will be taking to the final is, Crispy Shoulder of Suckling Pig, Pancakes & Dip; Whole Salt Baked Sea Trout to Share, Cockles, Potato Salad, Fennel & Samphire; Barbeque "Beer Can" Cornfed Chicken, Summer Beans, Potato Skins, Tear & Share Bread and Raspberry & Chocolate Pavlova, Sheep's Milk & Nut Ice Cream Pots.

This year the Great British Menu is working with The Big Lunch, a Big Lottery funded community street party initiative, run by The Eden Project. Last year the best part of a million people took part in a nationwide one day event that encourages people to cook and eat with their neighbours. Inspired by this, the Great British Menu chefs are battling to create spectacular sharing dishes, platters that will get everyone talking, proving food has the power to bring us all together for the best street party ever.
If Lisa makes it to the final, her dishes will be paraded down the ancient cobbled streets of Leadenhall Market in London to about 100 expectant guests.

Nigel Haworth, Managing Director/Chef Patron of Northcote and 2009 Great British Menu winner said, “Lisa has worked exceptionally hard, putting a lot of thought and effort into the brief for banquet this year, which has so far paid off. I am extremely proud of her and she is a deserving winner. Lisa represents the calibre of women chefs in the industry today and we have our fingers crossed for the national finals!”